22 March,2026 10:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Monkey shot by an arrow at Yeoor near SNGP. (Pic/WWA / Maharashtra Forest Department)
In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, a monkey was found seriously injured after being shot with an arrow near Yeoor. This is the second incident in two days in Thane where a monkey was attacked with an arrow.
In a shocking incident, a Bonnet Macaque was found injured after being shot with an arrow in Thane, marking the second such case.
Acting on information from local residents, a rescue team from Wildlife Welfare Association rushed to the spot and found the monkey with an arrow piercing through its neck and jaw, raising strong suspicion of a poaching attempt. In the presence of officials from the Yeoor Range of the Forest Department, the animal was safely captured within 10-15 minutes and is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment.
The Maharashtra Forest Department's Thane Range Office has taken serious note of the incident and initiated an investigation. Officials have stated that strict action will be taken against those responsible under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
A search operation is currently underway to trace the accused.
In a similar incident earlier on Friday, a monkey (Bonnet Macaque) was rescued in Thane after being hit by an arrow near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
A distress call was received on the helplines of the forest department and NGO RAWW from a local resident after spotting an injured monkey sitting on a tree with an arrow lodged in its pelvic region.
Following the call, the injured animal was rescued by the wildlife rescue team from RAWW and has been shifted for immediate medical treatment, which will be led by Dr Priti Sathe, associate veterinarian with RAWW.
Sources from the forest department told mid-day.com that an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, will be registered, as the case attracts provisions of Section 9, which prohibits the hunting of any protected animal.
Bonnet macaques are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides them the highest level of protection.
Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane and President of NGO RAWW, Pawan Sharma, told mid-day.com that the arrow used in the incident appears to be a professional one used in archery.
Sharma further added, "The forest department has begun the investigation to initiate appropriate action. The animal will undergo major surgery and remain under treatment and rehabilitation with RAWW under 24x7 care and monitoring."
A 9-foot marsh crocodile was rescued from the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay during an early morning rescue operation on Monday, officials said.
The reptile was first noticed by security personnel at the institute, who quickly informed the authorities after spotting the animal on the campus premises.
The rescue was carried out jointly by wildlife rescuers from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and officials from the Mumbai Forest Department.
